Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Pardew watches Porto as West Ham consider Benni McCarthy

Apparently Pardew was in Portugal on Saturday watching Benni McCarthy playing for Porto. West Ham have been after the South African international Benni since the summer, however having spent a club record fee of £7.25 million on striker Dean Ashton it seems unlikely that another forward is at the top of the wanted list. The scouting trip obviously has nothing to do with the freezing weather in England at the moment.

Anton and Reo to Face Norway

Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker are set to face Norway tonight for the England under 21 squad. The game is live on Sky Sports.

The West Ham site has an interview with Argentian right back Scaloni. In the three games that Scaloni has played the Hammers have not conceded a goal. In the interview Scaloni praises the technical skills of the West Ham defence.

Monday, February 27, 2006

Today the West Ham site has an interesting interview with Niall Clark, the West Ham physiotherapist who joined the Hammers from Reading this season. In the interview Clark makes it clear that Pardew is the main reason he came to West Ham, "I made a big decision to come here after five years at Reading because, when I joined, West Ham were favourites for relegation from the Premier League. People thought I was taking a chance, but I wasn't, because it all comes down to trust, and I trust the manager more than anyone I have worked for."

West Ham's excellent fitness record this year has played an important part in the team's success. With a relatively small squad it is important that there are not too many injuries at any one time. Clark's training regime seems to have been successful in achieving this aim and he highlights how teams such as Newcastle have struggled this season because of injuries to key players throughout the season.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

West Ham May Bid for Glen Johnson

Alan Pardew is rumoured to be keen on signing Glen Johnson this summer as the long-term replacement for Tomas Repka. Apparently Jose Mourinho wishes to offload a number of defensive players this summer, including Johnson, Asier Del Horno, Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge.

Anton And Reo Named in England under-21 squad

Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker have both been called up for the England under-21 squad to face Norway at Reading next Tuesday. Both had hopes of making the full squad and Anton in particular probably merits a chance to establish himself with the seniors.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Two Week Break

West Ham have a two week break before their next game at home against Everton on Saturday 4th March. However many of the players will be involved in international games.

Lionel Scaloni has been recalled by Argentina for the match against Croatia next Wednesday. Christian Dailly was today called up for the Scotland match against Switzerland. Yossi Benayoun and Yaniv Katan have both been called up by Israel for their game against Denmark.

Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Carl Fletcher are all named in the Wales game against Paraguay. Shaka Hislop has been called up by Trinidad and Tobago for their friendly against Iceland.

Anton Ferdinand, Nigel Reo-Coker, Hayden Mullins, Matthew Etherington and Paul Konchesky will be all be hoping that they can make the England squad for the Uraguay game next Wednesday. Ferdinand and Reo-Coker will at least make it to the under 21 squad.

Barcelona Prepare Bid for Anton

Barcelona are apparently preparing a £5 million bid for Anton Ferdinand. As Anton has recently signed a long term contract it is unlikely the board will allow Ferdinand to leave for such a small amount.

Ferdinand is obviously interested, "I've heard about it. It's flattering to hear one of the best clubs in the world have come in, but I just play and concentrate on West Ham." The offer of playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe would probably be too good to turn down for the young player. However having recently spent £7.25 million on Ashton West Ham must value Ferdinand at much more than £5 million.

With Barcelona also after a big name signing like Henry, it is believed they won't be prepared to pay much more than £5 million for a young defender.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

West Ham vs Bolton Replay Date

The West Ham and Bolton FA Cup replay could be on Tuesday 7th March, or not, it all depends on Bolton's European success. If Bolton beat Marseille the replay will take place on March 7, however, if they lose, the match is likely to be played in the week commencing Monday, March 13.

Bolton yesterday tried to excuse their appalling attendance by blaming the number of home games they have had recently. Of course, it has nothing to do with the boring football they play.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Bolton 0 West Ham 0

For the five Bolton fans who bothered to turn up for the game it must have been a pleasant change to be able to watch West Ham's fluent passing game. The Hammers enjoyed a lot of possession in the first half as they have stroked the ball around looking to break down the Bolton defence. Bolton's long ball football gave them the odd chance. However Gabbidon and Ferdinand looked fairly comfortable in defence, except for one howler by Ferdinand just before half-time when he passed straight to a Bolton attacker.

In the second half Bolton began to pressure the West Ham defence but West Ham continued to have chances on the break. On the 65th minute Stelios had a goal disallowed for offside. On the 65th minute Ashton should have scored with his head but just missed the right hand post. In the 68th minute Davies shot straight into Hislop's arms. On the 77th minute Zamora, unmarked, just failed to connect with a volley from a West Ham corner. In the 80th minute Benayoun was nearly clean through but the Bolton defence just recovered.

Overall a good result for the Hammers and we should stuff them back at the Boleyn.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Bolton vs West Ham

Roy Carroll is out again and there are rumours that he may need back surgery which could keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. Midfielder Hayden Mullins and defender Danny Gabbidon should both be available for the game after missing training this week because of injuries.

For Bolton, Hidetoshi Nakata is available again after suspension while Matt Jansen could also start after recovering from a knee problem. Gary Speed played midweek in the UEFA cup and could make his first start for six weeks after a knee injury.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Looking to Europe

A week ago Pardew and the players were answering questions about a possible European place by saying the team were only focused on the league and the next game. Now, having recorded a seventh straight win, the club is allowing itself to think about the possibility of playing in Europe next year.

Alan Pardew said yesterday, "Europe? I’m not going to sit here and say “we’re not going to talk about that” There’s a genuine chance for this team ... there’s a lot of power in this team so if we can keep the confidence levels high we can have a chance. The game can play tricks on you though. Injuries etcetera it can all turn ugly."

Anton Ferdinand seems to agree, "Things are going very well. I'm not surprised at all. We have got belief in our squad that we can play with the best and beat the best and we have showed it this year.

"Why not look forward? We don't need to look back and Europe is not that far away from us."

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

A Few Stats

With seven straight wins West Ham fans might be wondering if we are just riding the crest of a wave, coming up against teams at the right time etc, etc. Well the Actim Index, the official data of the English Premier League, suggests otherwise.

Marlon Harewood is ranked number two of Premiership attackers.

Matty Etherington is ranked number three of Premiership midfielders.

Anton Ferdinand is currently ranked number four of Premiership defenders.

This just confirms what we have all started to realise, West Ham have a team that can hold their own against anyone in the top flight. (Hammers in the top twenty players = 4, Spuds in the top twenty = 0)

Now I know West Ham fans have a certain dislike for certain ex-Hammers but it feels me with pride that out of the top ten English players (out of top 5 defenders, top 5 midfielders, top 5 attackers) three are current Hammers and three are former youth players. Statistically therefore six out of the top ten English players in the premiership are products of the Academy.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

West Ham vs Birmingham - The Goals

Monday, February 13, 2006

West Ham 3 Birmingham 0

Marlon Harewood scored in the 11th minute to give West Ham the lead. Aside from that there weren't many chances for either side in the first half. Birmingham were certainly in the game but never looked like scoring. Bruce jnr. ended the half by raking his studs down Gabbidon's leg and was booked for his troubles. Like father like son.

In the second half the game came a bit more to life. Ashton had the ball in the back of the net, only for the ref to give a foul on the goalie. In the 57th minute Forsell was through on goal but couldn't control the ball. This spurred West Ham on. Straight from this West Ham broke forward and Benayoun came close. On the 60th minute Daily shot, but straight into the arms of the keeper. On the 61st minute Latka handballed in the box. Harewood's peanalty was saved but he scored from the rebound. On the 64th minute Ashton scored a header from a right wing Scaloni cross.

In the 68th minute Pennant was on target from a 25yrd free kick but Shaka saved. On the 75th minute Pennant had another free kick from about the same distance but the ball was a few yards over the bar. On the 76th minute Zamora and Katan came on for Etherington and Ashton.

That's seven wins in a row, equalling the club record. Watch out Bolton!

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Anton for England?

Ferdinand is now being talked about as a possible outsider for the England World Cup squad. Although Erikson is likely to go for players with internationl and/or Champion League experience if he picked on form Anton would be a shoe in. Even ignoring Campbell's obvious problems at the moment Anton has proved to be one of the top three defenders in the Premiership this season. Consider these facts:

Only Carragher and brother Rio have made more tackles this season.

Anton has won 8% more of his tackles than John Terry

Anton has made more blocks than Rio, Terry, King, Carragher and Campbell (in fact more than Carragher and Campbell put together)

Made more clearances than any of the above centre halves

Made more interceptions than all but Rio

Is only one of three outfield players to play every minute this season (i.e. is not injury prone)

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Teddy in Contract Talks

After turning down a possible transfer to Spurs in the January transfer window Teddy Sheringham is to start talks with West Ham over a new contract. Despite being nearly 40 Teddy has made a number of good appearances this season and with West Ham's collection of young strikers offers much needed experience on the trianing pitch.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Anton is Player of the Month

Anton Ferdinand has been named January Premiership Player of the Month. Anton, in his first year in the Premiership, has been solid at the back all season. He scored a spectacular volley against Fulham in January and over the last few weeks has been exciting the scouts of Barcelona. Let's hope Anton remains a Hammer for a long time and this award is the first of many for the young defender.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

RIP Ron Greenwood 1921-2006

Former West Ham and England manager Ron Greenwood has died today aged 84.

Greenwood managed West Ham for thirteen years between 1961 to 1974 and continued as general manager at Upton Park until managing England between 1977 and 1982.

Greenwood was arguably West Ham's most successful manager, winning the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winner's Cup the following year. Many of the true legends of West Ham were nutured by Greenwood, including Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Trevor Brooking.

Grrenwood was West Ham manager for most of my childhood and is directly repsonsible for some of the greatest moments in my life. My feelings are best summed up by this quote from the BBC West Ham board, "A true disciple of the 'beautiful' game, before anyone else even knew it to be beautiful."

There will be a minute's silence on Monday evening before the Birmingham game.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Keeper News

Roy Carroll saw a back specialist last week to check whether he needed surgery that would have kept him out for the rest of the season. Fortunately, he was diagnosed as only needing rest.

Pardew has said that "The back has really settled down well. Roy should be ready to return after the Bolton FA Cup tie."

Meanwhile, former Wolves goalkeeper Paul Jones has been training with the Hammers and seems keen on joining the club. However with four keepers in Roy Carroll, Shaka Hislop, Stephen Bywater and James Walker it seems unlikely he will be given a permanent deal.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Sky Sports today claimed that Barcelona could make a bid for Anton Ferdinand. The good news is that they believe they can't afford him.

Ferdinand is believed to be the first choice of three defenders Barcelona have been watching. However it is believed Barcelona have only a limited budget and with some expensive targets, like Henry, they might not be able to also afford Ferdinand.

Sky Sports suggest that Barcelona might make an offer of around €8 million (£5.5 million) or try an exchange offer for Gabri, who West Ham were looking to sign in the winter transfer slot.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Europe Here We Come?

With six wins in a row it seems like a good time to look at some of the stats for the season.

West Ham's position in the league has been cemented by our away record. Currently we have the third best away record in the league. We have the 5th best record playing against bottom half sides but worryingly are seventeenth best playing against teams in the top half.

Our open attacking approach to games is reflected in the fact that we are fourth highest scoring side in the premiershp but also fifth highest conceding side.

West Ham are 17th in the stats for winning at half-time and 17th in the scoring first stats which demonstrates our strength in the second half of games. It is a testament to the current side's determination and fitness that we often start poorly but rally in the second half.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

West Ham 2 Sunderland 0

Stephen Wright was sent off in the 22nd minute for two yellow cards. Anthony Le Tallec was replaced by Nyron Nosworthy as Sunderland tried to readjust to ten men. Sunderland continued to battle hard and finished the half with one red card and two other payers booked. West Ham failed to capatilise on having the extra man.

In the second half West Ham had lots of possession but created few chances. Ashton came closest with a header that was tipped over the bar by Kelvin Davies.

Everything changed however with the introduction of Harewood who added some aggression to West Ham's play and who brought the crowd to life. After Harewood had a perfectly good goal disallowed West Ham continued to push forward and in the 80th minute Harewood shot and Ashton scored from Davis' parry. In the 86th minute Reo-Coker put Konchesky through to make it 2-0.

Ashton in for Harewood

Friday, February 03, 2006

West Ham v Sunderland

Lionel Scaloni (El Toro) looks like making his debut at right-back. Christian Dailly is also available after serving his suspension.

Yossi Benayoun picked up an injury against Arsenal and may be a doubt for the game. Roy Carroll is still out with back problems so Hislop remains in goal.

Sunderland captain Gary Breen could be out with a groin problem. Defenders George McCartney and Stephen Wright are available after long-term injuries and could start. Both players were taken off 15 minutes before the end of this week's reserve match in order to keep them fresh and Mick McCarthy has said that after recent perfomances none of his regular players has a right to automatic selection.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Noble to go on Loan to Hull

Roeder Appointed to Save Newcastle from Premiership Football!

After the not very shocking sacking of Graham Souness, Glenn Roeder was appointed caretaker manager of Newcastle United. After Roeder's previous managerial successes with Watford and West Ham many are saying that he is just the man to take Newcastle into the Championship. On his appointment today Roeder hit back at some of his detractors,

"With the talent available to me at West Ham some people doubted that I could take them into the then first division but I think I proved them wrong. In fact if you look at my record you will see that I nearly achieved relegation with both Watford and West Ham, unfortunately I was sacked from both jobs before I could realise my dreams. At Newcastle I have the full backing of the chairman and I think I can guarantee Newcastle fans that this time next year they will be watching football in the English Championship."

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Arsenal 2 - West Ham 3

Arsenal dominated for the first 20 minutes. Reo-Coker however scores on the break for West Ham on 25 minutes. Zamora then puts West Ham 2-0 up. West Ham then looked comfortable until just before the break when Konchesky fluffs an easy clearance and Henry scores a deflection off a Pires shot.

Campbell is taken off at half-time and storms out of Highbury!

Arsenal dominate most of the second half. Anton superb in defence. Etherington scores on 80 mins from a Newton cross. In the last ten minutes West Ham have a couple of more chances. Anton remains superb in defence. Hislop makes an excellent save. Pires score on 88 minutes but West Ham hang on for the win!!!!!!!!

Scaloni Signs

Scaloni has signed on loan for the rest of the season. Official. Alan Pardew said today, "I targeted Lionel because, in my view, he is very similar to Tomas Repka. He is strong and aggressive and I am sure our fans will enjoy seeing him play.

It was important to me that we retain the equilibrium of the team, and that is why I have signed a player of Lionel's style ... Initially, I didn't want to take anybody on loan, but when the opportunity arose to sign a player of this quality, I simply couldn't turn it down. Hopefully, it will be a success for us, and a success for him, and it is something that may turn into a long-term deal if all goes well."

It sounds that Scaloni will be expected to play at right back despite his apparent skills as a right-winger.